Acuscope by Ashley

02/04/2026

02/04/2026

02/01/2026

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💯

💨 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺: 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲

From an Equine osteopathic perspective, the diaphragm is one of the most influential structures in the horse’s entire body, yet it’s still commonly thought of as “just” a breathing muscle.

𝘠𝘦𝘴, 𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

But more accurately, the diaphragm is a pressure regulator, a mechanical integrator, and a meeting point between structure, organs and the nervous system.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝘀:

The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped musculotendinous structure separating the thoracic (chest) cavity from the abdominal cavity.
It is not a flat sheet > it is a dynamic, three-dimensional structure designed to move, adapt and transmit force.

𝗔𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:

♦️The Sternum (Sternal Fibres): The ventral part of the diaphragm attaches to the xiphoid process (the rear part of the breastbone).
♦️The costae (ribs)often listed around ribs 9–18, depending on the source
♦️The lumbar spine (crural attachments)

At its centre lies the central tendon, a strong tendinous region that acts as a hub for pressure transmission and mechanical continuity.

From this centre, the diaphragm forms two domes, left and right, which attach caudally into the lumbar spine via the crura:

➡️The right dome and right crux are stronger and extend further caudally into the lumbar region
➡️The left dome and left crux are shorter and less robust

This asymmetry is normal, but it has important implications for spinal mechanics, visceral tension and movement patterns.
(These implications will be explored in later parts of this series.)

‼️𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀:

The diaphragm is structurally integrated into the ribs, sternum and lumbar spine, it cannot move well if those structures cannot move well.

𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦:

During the process of both inspiration and expiration, the diaphragm should move rhythmically:

Caudally and ventrally (backwards and downwards) on inspiration
Cranially (forwards towards the head) on expiration
When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens and moves caudally.
This caudal–ventral movement creates expansion in three dimensions:
Vertical: the dome descends
Transverse: the ribs widen and elevate
Sagittal: the sternum lifts

𝗔𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁:
Pressure within the chest cavity drops, drawing air into the lungs
The abdominal contents are gently compressed and then released
Pressure is redistributed rather than trapped

During expiration, the diaphragm returns cranially with a smaller amplitude, relying on rib mobility and abdominal compliance to regulate airflow and pressure efficiently.

Crucially, as the ribs move ventrally at the costovertebral joints, the spine is passively guided into extension, allowing the vertebral column to follow the respiratory motion while maintaining integrity of the spinal canal.

Straight away, we can see why rib mobility, sternum alignment and thoracolumbar freedom are so important for something as seemingly simple as breathing. Here we can think of why thoracic adjustments without rib n diaphragm & visceral assessment may not bring real long term alignment!

Why this matters beyond breathing
Because the diaphragm attaches to the ribs, sternum and lumbar spine, and blends into fascial continuities with the liver, stomach, spleen and kidneys, its movement affects far more than respiration.

When diaphragmatic motion is free and elastic:
✴️The ribs, spine and viscera move as a coordinated unit
✴️Blood and lymphatic flow are supported
✴️Pressure is managed efficiently throughout the body

In faster gaits such as canter and gallop, this becomes even more relevant.
At that point, breathing and locomotion are mechanically linked ↙️ the diaphragm becomes the primary driver of respiration, working in rhythm with spinal motion and abdominal mass.
If it cannot move well, the horse must compensate elsewhere.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽:

When diaphragmatic movement is restricted; whether by rib stiffness, fascial tension, visceral load or neurological irritation, the effects are rarely local.

This is why diaphragm restriction may present as:
°Reduced performance or stamina
°Rib or thoracolumbar stiffness
°Apparent loss of core stability
°Hindquarter or “terrain-related” issues
°Horses that look barrel-shaped or bloated > then visibly change after treatment

Many owners are surprised when a horse looks physically slimmer or lighter post-treatment.

That isn’t weight loss, it’s pressure redistribution.

🧠 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗺𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁.

Over the coming parts, I’ll begin to unpack:
Its anatomical relationships in more depth
Why ribs and sternum matter so much
How pressure, posture and organs influence one another
And why diaphragm work is never just about breathing.

Some parts will be subscriber-only, where I’ll go deeper into clinical thinking, assessment priorities and real-world patterns I see repeatedly in practice.

📩 For professionals: this topic alone forms multiple days of CPD content coming in March.. There is far more to this than can ever fit into a social media post.

👉 Part 2 next weekend: the anatomy and pressure story behind the diaphragm.

01/31/2026

Treat the horse as a whole. Something I say out loud to others and to my self daily. I had a conversation with a client last week about a horse I’ve treated weekly for years. This horses feet, all 4 feet, read chronic no matter what type of vet work has been performed. This horse is extremely sound but retains chronic inflammation. And that’s just the horse. Well not because this horse is lame. Not because it needs injections (more than typical maintenance) , but because it’s a proven bleeder. What makes this horse a bleeder? Thats out of my pay grade. So while my readings on my acuscope give feed back on cellular impedance, most caused by inflammation, it doesn’t always mean the horse needs to be injected. **** The acuscope does not diagnose, nor do I****

Everything in the body connects and it all needs to function properly to help the body be balanced. Thinking outside the box is what helps these athletes be the few tenths faster against the clock. It’s in the details.

I’m extremely grateful to know these athletes the way I do behind the scenes. I see them weekly. I see them before and after events. I know their vet, their farriers and the rest of the team that keeps them going. Those details matter. The way I see these clients consistently, is how I’ve been able to learn and navigate the readings the way I do.

They’re Athletes. Treat them as such 💯

01/31/2026

Best in the business 💯

We’re honored to be featured in Fort Worth Magazine – Faces of Fort Worth 2026 ✨

Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery is highlighted among Fort Worth’s finest local businesses, recognized as pioneers in our field and trusted leaders in equine medicine.

This recognition highlights the dedication, expertise, and leadership of the veterinarians who continue to set the standard in equine medicine:
Reese Hand, DVM • Chad Marsh, DVM • Dylan Lutter, DVM • Camille MacDermott, DVM • Rudy Madrigal, DVM (not pictured) • Lane Morrison, DVM • Savannah Kimball, DVM • Sarah Morales, DVM

📖 Find us on page 111 and online:
https://fwtx.com/faces-of-fort-worth-2026

See how ESMS continues to advance equine care through collaboration, experience, and a commitment to excellence. Thank you to Fort Worth Magazine for this recognition, and to our clients, partners, and community for your continued trust and support.

01/27/2026

♥️

The math everyone ignores.

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I write a weekly newsletter where I unpack these ideas.

→ newsletter.scottdclary.com

01/25/2026

I love my colts by him! Everyone needs a striker baby ♥️🦄

This is RP Recoil N Strike, aka “Striker.”

Striker is by Coil, a Thoroughbred stallion that won four graded stakes races and earned over $1.1 million on the track. Striker is out of Dashin Julene, a very accomplished daughter of Dash Ta Fame.

Although Striker has a Thoroughbred sire and a Quarter Horse dam, he is not an “Appendix.” There are two main reasons for that:

1. The Appendix is a sub-registry of the American Quarter Horse Association, not a type of horse.

2. In 2022, Striker was the AQHA Reserve World Champion Junior Barrel Racing Horse. He earned a Register of Merit and moved to the Numbered registry.

The following is a history of the Appendix and an explanation of how it works.

Today, the AQHA issues certificates to horses in the Numbered or Appendix registries, depending upon the registration status of their sires and dams. Prior to 1962, horses registered with the AQHA were issued certificates with one of three labels - Permanent, Tentative or Appendix.

Like the appendix of a textbook, the Appendix of the AQHA came after the main stud book and essentially provided supporting documentation. Horses that did not meet the requirements for registration were included in the Appendix section for identification purposes, but were not technically registered with the AQHA. This group included horses that were previously registered with the American Quarter Racing Association and the National Quarter Horse Breeders Association, organizations that merged with the AQHA early in the association’s history. The Appendix also included outcrosses to horses registered with The Jockey Club - Thoroughbreds.

The AQHA used to have inspections similar to inspections performed by Warmblood registries today. When horses in the Appendix passed inspection for conformation, they would receive Tentative registration. Horses in the Appendix could bypass inspection by exhibiting superior performance on the racetrack or in the arena. If they earned a Register of Merit or ROM, they would receive Tentative registration without inspection. Horses with Tentative registration could only receive their Permanent papers when enough of their offspring received Tentative status.

By 1954, the number of horses in the Appendix exceeded the number of horses with Tentative and Permanent certificates combined. The system was overly complicated and confusing to owners. These factors prompted reform.

At first, the AQHA proposed closing the stud book, which would have made it impossible for Thoroughbred outcrosses to be registered with the association. Racing and performance horse breeders opposed this idea. They cited the contributions that Thoroughbred stallions such as Three Bars made to the Quarter Horse breed.

Ultimately, the AQHA decided to combine the Tentative and Permanent registries. This became the Numbered registry. They also established a new Appendix. The horses in the new Appendix are registered with the association, but their registration numbers begin with an “X” and their papers say “APPENDIX CERTIFICATE” at the top.

Once this new system was in place, foals with two Numbered parents automatically received a registration number without inspection. Horses received Appendix certificates if they had one Appendix parent and one Numbered parent or one Thoroughbred parent and one Numbered parent. It is important to note that horses with two Appendix parents or one Appendix parent and one Thoroughbred parent are not eligible for registration with the AQHA. There are smaller registries that accept those horses.

The new Appendix is similar to the old in that horses with Appendix certificates can obtain a Numbered certificate by earning a ROM in AQHA-approved events. Horses having parrot mouths, cyptorchidism, HYPP or excessive white markings are not eligible for advancement into the Numbered registry.

When a horse in the Appendix attains a Numbered certificate, the breeding restrictions, along with the “X” in front of their registration number, are removed. Any of the horse’s offspring that were listed in the Appendix become eligible for advancement into the Numbered registry as well. This means that horses with very little Thoroughbred parentage may have Appendix certificates their entire lives. It also means that horses with very little Quarter Horse parentage can earn Numbered certificates. It is possible to see horses that are 7/8ths Thoroughbred with Numbered certificates. Horses such as The Signature and Some Kind of Man are examples of that.

Although the system for Appendix registry and advancement has been simplified, many people still find it confusing. It is a common misconception that horses with Appendix certificates from the AQHA are not Quarter Horses, but they are!

The AQHA allows Thoroughbred outcrosses in the first place because many of the original “Quarter Horses” were simply Thoroughbreds that could run short. Thoroughbreds have always been critical to the development and improvement of the Quarter Horse as a breed.

Striker will undoubtedly continue that legacy of improvement. We couldn’t find a fault in him if we tried!

Striker is owned by Rachel and Roger Primm. He is standing at Switzer-Hill Horses in Weatherford, Texas.

01/24/2026

While it’s icy and cold outside, it seems appropriate to re introduce myself and re share a little bit of my story. As it’s been brought to light there have been some questions, and comments. (What else is new?)

My name is Ashley Truman, or better known as Acuscope by Ashley. I was born and raised in Northern California and currently at 31yrs old, reside in Stephenville Texas. If you know me out side of my profession, you know I keep to myself and don’t share my life with just anyone or everyone. But that must be an issue to some… ?
You can find me working, often, at or entered at a few local barrel races, or once in a blue moon socializing at dinner. My personality is black and white, confident and bold. But willing to help when and where ever I can. I am the only one in my family to do anything with horses. I own 5 1/2 horses, 1/2 being the most perfect pony 🍑, and 3 dogs that will greet you with excitement. Any thing else? Not really.

Back to my profession. The version of myself that keeps ice running through my veins. I was certified in 2016 by ATS. A company that in my eyes did not fit me, but maybe can fit others. Fast forward to 2018 I re certified with ATA, or better know as Karen Richter. She set my career up for the success I have today. Differences aside. We all learn differently and see things differently. What fits me might not fit you. There isn’t a wrong to it.

I am a small part of the industry and happen to be in the corners of the greats. No hand outs, just hustle. No back up plan, just one foot in front of the other. Going on my 10th year and I wouldn’t change the process. Anyone can do it, quite literally. Write the check and take the class. But it’s how we proceed as an individual in this industry that separates us from just anyone. That’s what you can’t duplicate.

I am not a vet, and I don’t diagnose. I am a small piece of the puzzle that helps some of these horses and jockeys make a name for themselves. I work alongside some of the greatest equine sports medicine veterinarians in north Texas. There isn’t a move I make with out the guidance of just that. How could you not take advantage of their knowledge? I’d say their experience is better than most textbooks. But not to mention, farriers, and other body workers. This is no hobby. It’s a way of life. Down to the last word. The path to get here has shaped who I am as a technician today.

The questions I don’t respond to are the questions you can so easily find answers for if you do your own research. I didn’t have people to shadow or a handbook on success. You can earn it too. It’s amazing to see how the Acuscope and Myopulse have grown over the last 10 years. Cheers to 2026 🥂 Hopefully the best one yet.

♥️